David Ash, QB: Not surprisingly, Texas' ups and downs this season have mirrored Ash's performance under center. After a brilliant start, Ash hit a mid-season slump that coincided with an ugly four-game stretch for UT. But Ash is back up of late, putting up QB ratings over 200 in each of his last two games, including a career day against Iowa State last week during which he threw for 364 yards and completed 80% of his passes. Ash isn't the sort of field general who can pick apart a defense at will, but with a good ground game, speedy receivers and a strong arm, Ash can be a big time threat.

Both of SMU’s victories have been shutouts. Fortunately for their offense, the Mustangs’ defense can also score points.

SMU 28, Tulane 10

South Carolina (+2 1/2) at LSU

7 p.m., ESPN

Undefeated South Carolina is coming off a blowout victory over Georgia. LSU became Florida’s latest victim last week. A win in Death Valley will prove the Gamecocks are legit.

South Carolina 25, LSU 23

Stanford (+9) at Notre Dame

2:30 p.m., Ch. 5

Stanford’s top receiver, Ty Montgomery, was injured in the Cardinal’s 54-48 OT victory over Arizona. Notre Dame has quality wins over Michigan, Michigan State and Miami.

Notre Dame 24, Stanford 18

Kansas State at Iowa State (+61/2)

11 a.m., FX

K-State has won the last four meetings but only by eight or fewer points. The spread seems large considering Iowa State is 4-1 and playing at home.

Iowa State 31, Kansas State 28

Oregon State (+3) at BYU

2:30 p.m.

The Beavers are without starting quarterback Sean Mannion, who will be replaced by inexperienced Cody Vaz. The Cougars lost their backup quarterback to injury, but starter Riley Nelson returns from a two-game injury absence.

Oregon State 27, BYU 24

Fresno State (+7) at Boise State

2:30 p.m., NBCSN

The Broncos (4-1) have won the last six meetings, but the Bulldogs (4-2) lead the nation with 12 interceptions among their 18 forced turnovers.

Boise State 33, Fresno State 28

Oklahoma vs. Texas (+3 1/2)

at Dallas, 11 a.m., Ch. 8

UT scores 46.8 ppg but allows 26.4. OU averages 38.3 ppg and 16 against. That gives OU a 2.9-point lead. But OU gets a bonus for winning last week and for beating UT last year.

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